Our TWO Cents
Two…
…peas in a pod,
…wrongs don’t make a right,
…shakes of a lamb’s tail (if you know that one, you’re really Southern),
…birds killed by the same stone,
…left feet,
…it takes to tango (as Yoda would say),
…four, six, eight! Who do we appreciate? YOU!
Ok, I’ll stop. But I think you get it. Our life recently has been full of the number two:
2 months in Ecuador (as of November 15)
2 short-term mission teams we recently hosted
2 times as long spent in conversation, because of translation
2 October celebrations - 5 years of marriage and Caroline’s 29th birthday
2 deaths in our family, leading to…
2 trips back to the US for 2 funerals. Whew.
2 girls named Caroline who were both born on October 28! What are the odds?
Two teams!
Our first work opportunity was hosting a short-term team, an Education Equals Hope vision team. The goal of this team was to see the micro-scholarship program in action and connect with the families who are part of the program.
We visited seven of our partner ministry sites during their time in Quito. Each site greeted the team with gifts - a delicious meal, a dance performed by the scholarship students, some tea, or some fun get-to-know-you games.
It was also a great way for the two of us to reconnect with these ministry partners, which will be a significant part of our work throughout the year.
Right after our first team, we hosted a second team! Three mental health counselors from the US came to facilitate a training and renewal retreat for the staff of Casa Gabriel and Casa Adalia.
These are both ministries of Youth World, the branch of our organization in Ecuador. Casa Gabriel is a home for boys who previously lived on the streets of Ecuador, and Casa Adalia is a safe home for girls who are coming out of prostitution, trafficking, and other vulnerable situations. The staff members were able to relax in a peaceful setting, learn more about how to work with victims of trauma, and strengthen their bond.
Our main work was translating small group and individual sessions with the counselors. It was amazing to witness the staff members supporting one another in their important work and daily lives.
Two Funerals…
John's paternal grandfather, Depo, passed away on September 27, and his maternal grandmother, Flo, passed away on October 31. They were both in their 90s and had lived wonderful lives. We were grateful to be able to fly back for both funerals. There is never a good time to lose a grandparent, but this timing is especially odd - we never would have imagined that within two months of moving to Quito we would be making two trips back to the states. Both trips were filled with really wonderful family time.
A meal with family before Depo’s funeral in October.
John and his grandmother, Flo, at the beach this summer before we left for Quito.
Now, we are looking forward… to finishing this year well, celebrating Christmas abroad for the first time, and planning for summer 2022 teams and interns. Look at that - even more of the number 2!
Deuces. -J&C
